1996 Audi A4 vs. 1978 Ferrari 308
To start off, 1996 Audi A4 is newer by 18 year(s). Which means there will be less support and parts availability for 1978 Ferrari 308. In addition, the cost of maintenance, including insurance, on 1978 Ferrari 308 would be higher. At 2,927 cc (8 cylinders), 1978 Ferrari 308 is equipped with a bigger engine. In terms of performance, 1978 Ferrari 308 (255 HP @ 7700 RPM) has 155 more horse power than 1996 Audi A4. (100 HP @ 5300 RPM) In normal driving conditions, 1978 Ferrari 308 should accelerate faster than 1996 Audi A4. With that said, vehicle weight also plays an important factor in acceleration. 1978 Ferrari 308 weights approximately 170 kg more than 1996 Audi A4. So despite on having greater horse power, its additional weight may have an impact towards its acceleration in comparison.
Because 1978 Ferrari 308 is rear wheel drive (RWD), it offers better handling in dry conditions; in addition, if you are looking to drift, it will be much easier to do with 1978 Ferrari 308. However, in wet, icy, snow, or gravel driving conditions, 1996 Audi A4, being front wheel drive (FWD), will offer much better control with better grip. With that said, do keep in mind that many other factors such as speed and the wear on your tires can also have significant impact on traction and control. Let's talk about torque, 1978 Ferrari 308 (283 Nm @ 5500 RPM) has 143 more torque (in Nm) than 1996 Audi A4. (140 Nm @ 3800 RPM). This means 1978 Ferrari 308 will have an easier job in driving up hills or pulling heavy equipment than 1996 Audi A4.
Compare all specifications:
| 1996 Audi A4 | 1978 Ferrari 308 | |
| Make | Audi | Ferrari |
| Model | A4 | 308 |
| Year Released | 1996 | 1978 |
| Body Type | Sedan | Coupe |
| Engine Position | Front | Middle |
| Engine Size | 1593 cc | 2927 cc |
| Engine Cylinders | 4 cylinders | 8 cylinders |
| Engine Type | in-line | V |
| Valves per Cylinder | 2 valves | 2 valves |
| Horse Power | 100 HP | 255 HP |
| Engine RPM | 5300 RPM | 7700 RPM |
| Torque | 140 Nm | 283 Nm |
| Torque RPM | 3800 RPM | 5500 RPM |
| Engine Bore Size | 81 mm | 81 mm |
| Engine Stroke Size | 77.5 mm | 71 mm |
| Fuel Type | Gasoline | Gasoline |
| Drive Type | Front | Rear |
| Transmission Type | Manual | Manual |
| Vehicle Weight | 1195 kg | 1365 kg |
| Vehicle Length | 4480 mm | 4310 mm |
| Vehicle Width | 1740 mm | 1720 mm |
| Vehicle Height | 1420 mm | 1220 mm |
| Wheelbase Size | 2620 mm | 2560 mm |
